Artificial fishing lure with mechanical hook assembly

ABSTRACT

An artificial fishing lure includes a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed with the hollow body at its rear end. A one-piece spring-biased hook assembly is located substantially within the firing chamber of the body in a loaded condition, and is adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition. A pivoted actuation lever has a proximal end joined to the hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for moving the loaded hook assembly into the escape notch of the hollow body, thereby releasing the hook assembly into the fish-catching condition.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates broadly to an artificial fishing lure which incorporates a mechanical hook assembly. In terms of recreational fishing, a lure is an object attached to the end of fishing line and designed to resemble and move like an item of fish prey. The basic purpose of the lure is to use movement, vibrations, and/or color to catch the fish's attention and to entice the fish to “bite” the hook. Conventional lures may be equipped with one or more exposed single, double, or treble hooks. Such lures are generally used with a fishing rod and fishing reel. When a lure is used for casting, it is continually cast out and retrieved—the retrieval making the lure “swim” through the water.

The concept of the present disclosure may be incorporated in many different types of fishing lures. For example, the present lure may comprise or incorporate a jig, spoon, plug (or crankbait), artificial fly, bass worm, spinnerbait, or the like. Additionally, multiple lures of the present disclosure may be used on a single line, as in the manner of a trotline.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises an artificial fishing lure incorporating a spring-biased hook assembly adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. A hook-setting base temporarily retains the hook assembly in the loaded condition. A pliant, outwardly-flexed compression trigger is adapted for straightening upon application of an inwardly directed force. When straightened, the trigger pushes the hook-setting base away from the hook assembly, and releases the hook assembly for sudden movement from the loaded condition to the released condition. The term “lure” is used broadly herein to mean any device used alone, or in combination with other devices, elements, or structure, for purposes of attracting and/or catching fish.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly comprises first and second integrally-formed metal hooks having oppositely directed bends and points.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second hooks define respective outwardly curved pinch points adapted for being simultaneously pressed together to return the hook assembly from the released condition to the loaded condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly defines an eye for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook-setting base comprises a weighted body defining a pocket for releasably receiving a portion of the hook assembly in the loaded condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the outwardly-flexed trigger comprises opposing, resilient legs formed with the weighted body and attached (and locked) to the hook assembly adjacent the eye.

According to another exemplary embodiment, with the hook assembly in the loaded condition, the resilient legs are laterally spaced apart a distance of between 10 and 20 mm at opposing points of greatest flexion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, with the hook assembly in the released condition, the resilient legs are laterally spaced apart a maximum distance of less than 15 mm.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises an artificial fishing lure incorporating a spring-biased hook assembly and hook-setting ring. The hook assembly is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition, and comprises at least one hook having an elongated shank and bend. The hook-setting ring is carried on the shank of the hook adjacent the bend for temporarily retaining the hook assembly in the loaded condition. A compression trigger including a projecting tooth is adapted for engaging the hook-setting ring, and moving the ring along the shank of the hook upon application of an inwardly directed force. Sliding movement of the hook-setting ring away from the bend of the hook releases the hook assembly for sudden movement from the loaded condition to the released condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly includes first and second integrally-formed metal hooks having oppositely directed bends and points. Use of multiple hooks may effect multiple holds upon the fish. Alternatively, the hook assembly may comprise only a single hook.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly defines an eye for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression trigger includes a folded flat metal spring comprising first and second spaced-apart opposing metal plates. Alternatively, the compression trigger (and/or other components of the fishing lure) may be formed of a plastic or any other suitable material.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the projecting tooth comprises an integrally-formed portion of the first metal plate bent inwardly towards the second metal plate.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the projecting tooth has a substantially wedge-shaped profile.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the second metal plate defines a tooth opening adapted for receiving a tip of the projecting tooth upon compression of the trigger.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression trigger includes a cooperating second projecting tooth comprising an integrally-formed portion of the second metal plate bent inwardly towards the first metal plate.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the second projecting tooth has a substantially wedge-shaped profile.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first metal plate defines a tooth opening adapted for receiving a tip of the second projecting tooth upon compression of the trigger.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression trigger comprises integrally-formed (or separately formed) bait attachment pins extending between the first and second metal plates.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the invention may comprise an artificial fishing lure having a base assembly, a spring-biased hook assembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and a pivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading and trailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. The hook assembly comprises a proximal end and a pointed distal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted for temporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailing end of the base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with the hook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post, and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hook assembly when actuated. The hook-setting post then disengages the proximal end of the hook assembly, and thereby releases the hook assembly for sudden rearward movement outwardly from the retention member from the loaded condition to the released condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly comprises first and second integrally-formed metal hooks having oppositely directed bends and points.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly defines an eye at its proximal end for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the base assembly comprises a substantially planar body defining opposing outwardly-flared wings designed for guarding the pointed distal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a line-guiding head is integrally formed with the actuation lever and located at the leading end of the base assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the line-guiding head defines a through-bore for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an elongated bait-attaching tail is located at the trailing end of the base assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the retention member comprises a retention bridge defining an underpassage through which the hook assembly extends.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a hook stop is located rearward of the retention bridge, and is adapted for limited rearward movement of the hook assembly from the loaded condition to the released condition.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises an artificial fishing lure including a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed with the hollow body at its rear end. A one-piece spring-biased hook assembly is located substantially within the firing chamber of the body in a loaded condition, and is adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition. The hook assembly comprises first and second metal hooks integrally-formed together at a proximal end of the hook assembly, and having oppositely directed bends and points at a distal end of the hook assembly. The distal end of the hook assembly is adapted for being pushed together against an inherent spring-biasing force of the hook assembly, such that the oppositely directed bends and points reside substantially together when in the loaded condition and flare apart by operation of the spring-biasing force into the released fish-catching condition. The term “substantially together” means that the bends and points of respective hooks are closer together when in the loaded condition, as compared to the released condition. A pivoted actuation lever has a proximal end joined to the hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for releasing the hook assembly from the loaded condition. In the loaded condition, the inherent spring-biasing force of the hook assembly is stored inside the firing chamber of the body. When the actuation lever is pivoted, the hook-engaging end moves the hook assembly into the escape notch of the hollow body, whereby the spring-biasing force of the hook assembly causes sudden rearward movement of the hook assembly outwardly from the firing chamber and into the released fish-catching condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the firing chamber of the hollow body is substantially tubular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hollow body comprises opposing internal shoulders spaced apart to form a guide slot within the firing chamber.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hollow body has an eye at its front end for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hollow body comprises opposing outwardly flared wings.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook-engaging end of the actuation lever defines a hook opening for slidably receiving one of the first and second metal hooks, such that the hook-engaging end guides and controls movement the hook assembly when released rearwardly from the loaded condition into the fish-catching condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the actuation lever is substantially L-shaped.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the rear end of the hollow body is substantially annular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the escape notch is formed with an annular rim at the rear end of the hollow body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the escape notch has a length dimension extending along a length of the body and circumferential dimension along a circumference of the annular rim. In this embodiment, the length dimension of the escape notch is greater than its circumferential dimension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of exemplary embodiments proceeds in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical fishing lure according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mechanical fishing lure with a portion of the lure body broken away to illustration the hook assembly in a loaded or set condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mechanical fishing lure with a portion of the lure body broken away to illustration the hook assembly in the released or tripped condition;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are opposing plan views of the mechanical fishing lure with the hook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the mechanical fishing lure, and showing the hook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the mechanical fishing lure with the hook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are sequential side elevations demonstrating operation of the mechanical fishing lure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mechanical fishing lure according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the mechanical fishing lure with the hook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the mechanical fishing lure, and showing the hook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the mechanical fishing lure with a portion of the lure body broken away to illustrate the hook assembly temporarily retained within a pocket of the hook-setting base;

FIGS. 14 and 15 demonstrate sequential operation of the mechanical fishing lure as the hook-setting base is moved away from the hook assembly, thereby releasing the spring-loaded double hooks;

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate an alternative mechanical fishing lure according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and show the spring-biased hook assembly in a loaded condition;

FIGS. 20-22 show the exemplary fishing lure with the spring-biased hook assembly in the released condition;

FIG. 23 illustrates yet another mechanical fishing lure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the exemplary fishing lure with the hook assembly removed, and illustrating the hook assembly in a released fish-catching condition and in the loaded condition (in phantom);

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fishing lure;

FIGS. 26 and 27 show the exemplary fishing lure with the hook assembly in the loaded and released conditions, respectively;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the exemplary fishing lure with the hook assembly in the released fish-catching condition; and

FIG. 29 is view of the exemplary hook assembly in the released condition.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterite) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings an artificial, mechanical fishing lure according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The exemplary fishing lure 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-9. In this embodiment, the fishing lure 10 comprises a cooperating weighted lure body 11 and spring-biased double hook assembly 12. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hook assembly comprises first and second integrally-formed metal hooks 14A, 14B adapted for sudden movement, as discussed below, from a loaded (or “set”) condition to a released (or “tripped”) condition. The hooks 14A, 14B have respective elongated shanks 15A, 15B, and oppositely directed bends 16A, 16B and points 18A, 18B. Proximal ends of the shanks 15A, 15B curve into a single common eye 19 through which a free end of fishing line may be inserted and attached. A hook-setting ring 21 is carried on respective shanks 15A, 15B of the hooks 14A, 14B adjacent the bends 16A, 16B, as shown in FIG. 2, and serves to temporarily retain the hook assembly 12 in the loaded condition. The shank 15A, 15B of each hook 14A, 14B may also define a slight jog 22A, 22B proximate the bend 16A, 16B for seating and precisely locating the hook-setting ring 21 upon movement of the hook assembly 12 into the loaded condition.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-7, the exemplary lure body 11 substantially covers the loaded hook assembly 12, and may comprise a stamped and folded metal blank constructed of any suitable finished or non-finished high carbon spring steel, nickel-silver, high-nickel alloy, stainless steel, phosphor-bronze and beryllium-copper combination, or the like. The curve radius “R” (FIG. 7) at the fold, or hinge point, may be in the range of 2 to 10 mm. When folded, the metal blank forms opposing resiliently-spaced flat metal plates 24 and 25 of the lure body 11. Each metal plate 24, 25 has a cut and integrally-bent rigid tooth 26 and 27 which projects inwardly from one plate to the other. In the embodiment shown, each tooth 26, 27 has a substantially wedge-shaped profile. When the hook assembly 12 is in the loaded condition, the teeth 26, 27 align relative to the hook-setting ring 21 such that an inwardly directed compression force acting on the spaced metal plates 24, 25 brings the teeth 26, 27 together, thereby engaging the hook-setting ring 21 and unseating the ring from its location adjacent the shank jogs 22A, 22B. When the lure body 11 is compressed, the points of the teeth 26, 27 may pass through respective openings 28, 29 defined in the metal plates 24, 25. Once the compression force is removed, the metal plates 24, 25 return to their originally spaced position. Bait attachment pins 31 comprising additional cut and bent portions of the metal plate 24 may extend between the plates, and pass through aligned openings 32 in the opposing plate 25 upon compression of the lure body 11.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 demonstrate sequential operation of the mechanical fishing lure 10. The folded lure body 11 comprises a “trigger” which, when compressed, serves to trip the spring-biased hook assembly 12. FIG. 7 shows the fishing lure 10 with the hook assembly 12 in the loaded condition and the hook-setting ring 21 seated adjacent the bend 16A, 16B of each hook 14A, 14B (as also shown in FIG. 2). In this loaded condition, the fishing lure 10 may be cast outwardly into a body of water, and then drawn through the water using a conventional rod and reel outfit. As the fishing lure 10 is received into the mouth of a fish, the inward force acting on one (or both) opposing metal plates 24, 25 causes the projecting teeth 26, 27 to engage and unseat the hook-setting ring 21 from shank jogs 22A, 22B, as shown in 8, thereby releasing the spring-biased hook assembly 12. Immediately thereafter, the hook-setting ring 21 slides along respective shanks 15A, 15B towards the common eye 19, as indicated by arrow 35, while the double hooks 14A, 14B flare suddenly outwardly piecing the fish with respective points 18A, 18B. FIG. 9 (and FIG. 3) shows the hook assembly 12 in the released condition.

A further exemplary embodiment of an artificial mechanical fishing lure 50 is shown in FIGS. 10-15. Like that previously described, the fishing lure 50 comprises a cooperating weighted lure body 51 and spring-biased double hook assembly 52. As best shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the hook assembly 52 includes first and second integrally-formed metal hooks 54A, 54B adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition (FIG. 13) to a released condition (FIG. 15). The hooks 54A, 54B have respective elongated shanks 55A, 55B, and oppositely directed bends 56A, 56B and points 58A, 58B. Proximal ends of the shanks 55A, 55B curve into a single common eye 59 through which a free end of fishing line may be inserted and attached. The first and second hooks 54A, 54B further define respective outwardly curved pinch points 61A, 61B adapted for being simultaneously and safely pressed together (using, e.g., the thumb and forefinger) to return the hook assembly 52 from the released condition to the loaded condition.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the exemplary lure body 51 comprises a hook-setting base 64, and a pair of pliant (and resilient) legs 65A, 65B formed with the base 64 and attached to the hook assembly 52 adjacent the eye 59. The hook-setting base 64 forms a pocket 66 (See FIGS. 13-15) designed to releasably receive a portion of the hook assembly 52 and to temporarily retain the hook assembly 52 in the loaded condition. In this loaded condition, the resilient legs 65A, 65B of the lure body 51 are flexed slightly outwardly, as best shown in FIG. 11, and are laterally spaced apart a distance “D” of between 10 mm and 20 mm at opposing points of greatest flexion. Alternatively, the distance “D” may be between 10 mm and 15 mm, or between 15 mm and 20 mm, or greater than 20 mm. The fishing lure 50 may also include a flexible tail 68 formed with the lure body 51.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 demonstrate sequential operation of the mechanical fishing lure 50. The opposing pliant and resilient legs 65A, 65B of the lure body 51 comprise an outwardly-flexed “trigger” which, when compressed, serves to trip the spring-loaded hook assembly 52. FIG. 13 shows the fishing lure 50 with a portion of the hook assembly 52 retained within the pocket 66 of the hook-setting base 64. In this loaded condition, the fishing lure 50 may be cast outwardly into a body of water, and then drawn through the water using a conventional rod and reel outfit. As the fishing lure 50 is received into the mouth of a fish, the inward force acting on one (or both) resilient legs 65A, 65B causes the legs to straighten, thereby forcing the hook-setting base 64 of the lure body 51 away from the loaded hook assembly 52. As the bends 56A, 56B of respective hooks 54A, 54B clear the pocket 66, as shown in FIG. 14, the spring-biased hook assembly 52 releases causing the hooks 54A, 54B to flare suddenly outwardly piecing the fish with the hook points 58A, 58B. FIG. 15 shows the hook assembly 52 in the released condition. In this condition, the resilient legs 65A, 65B of the lure body 51 are laterally spaced apart a maximum distance of less than 15 mm in one embodiment, less than 10 mm in another embodiment, and less than 5 mm in yet another embodiment.

FIGS. 16-22 illustrate a further exemplary embodiment of an artificial mechanical fishing lure 100 according to the present disclosure. The fishing lure 100 comprises a base assembly 110 having spaced-apart leading and trailing ends, a spring-biased hook assembly 111 carried by the base assembly 110, a movable hook-setting post 112, a fixed retention member 113, and a pivoted actuation lever 114. The exemplary hook assembly 111 comprises first and second metal hooks 111A, 111B designed for sudden rearward movement from a spring-biased loaded condition (FIGS. 16-19) to an outwardly-flared released condition (FIGS. 20-22). The hooks 111A, 111B are integrally-formed together at a proximal end 115 (or “eye”) of the hook assembly 111, and have oppositely directed bends “B” and points “P” at the distal end 116. The base assembly 110 includes a generally thin, planar body 121 having opposing outwardly curved wings 122, 123 which serve to guard respective points “P” of hook assembly 111 in the loaded condition, as best shown in FIGS. 16 and 18.

The hook-setting post 112 is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly 110, and operates to temporarily engage the proximal end 115 of the hook assembly 111 in the loaded condition shown in FIGS. 16-19. The fixed retention member 113 is located adjacent the trailing end of the base assembly 110, and cooperates with the hook-setting post 112 to temporarily hold the hook assembly 111 in the loaded condition. In the exemplary embodiment, the fixed retention member 113 comprises a retention bridge formed with the base assembly 110, and defining a slotted underpassage 125 through which respective shanks “S” of the hook assembly 111 extend. The retention bridge 113 guides and directs movement of the double hooks 111A, 111B rearwardly from the base assembly 110 when the hook assembly 111 is released from the spring loaded condition. Alternatively, the retention member 113 may comprise any other structure capable of temporarily holding the spring-biased hook assembly 111 together until released by the hook-setting post 112, as described below.

The actuation lever 114 is connected to the hook-setting post 112 and an underside of the planar body 121 at fulcrum 126. A line-guiding head 128 defining a small through-bore 129 may be formed with the actuation lever 114 forward of the hook-setting post 112. A flexible fishing line (not shown) attached to a conventional rod and reel outfit is passed through the line-guiding head 128 and tied at the eye 115 (proximal end) of the hook assembly 111. When the lever 114 is depressed towards the planar body 121 of the base assembly 110, as indicated by arrow 131 in FIG. 19, the hook-setting post 112 moves away from and disengages the hook assembly 111 at its proximal end 115, as indicated by arrow 132. See FIG. 22. Once released from the hook-setting post 112, the curvature and shape retention (i.e., biasing force) of the metal hook assembly 111 cause sudden linear movement of the double hooks 111A, 111B rearwardly through the retention bridge 113, as indicated at arrow 133. The double hooks 111A, 111B then flare outwardly from the trailing end of the base assembly 110 into a flared condition, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, with sufficient force to catch and pierce the fish. Rearward movement of the hook assembly 111 is limited by one or more projecting hook stops 135 formed with the planar body 121. Additionally, the fishing lure 100 may include an elongated rigid bait-attaching tail 136 located at the trailing end of the base assembly 110. The tail 136 may be used for attaching live or artificial bait, such minnow, artificial worms, and the like.

In further alternative embodiments, the mechanical fishing lure may be substantially encapsulated within a larger artificial lure, or may be used or alone or in combination with other lures, tackle, or lure bodies and components, and may be of any desired size, shape, and configuration.

Another exemplary mechanical fishing lure is illustrated in FIGS. 23-28. The fishing lure 200 comprises a substantially hollow (e.g., molded plastic) body 210, a one-piece spring-biased metal hook assembly 220, and a pivoted actuation lever 230. The hollow body 210 has rounded tapered front end (or nose) 211, an annular rear end 212, and interior walls 213 defining an internal tubular firing chamber “C” best shown in FIG. 25. An escape notch 214, shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, is formed (and communicates) with an annular rim 215 at the rear end 212 of the hollow body 210, and at the exit end of the firing chamber “C”. Referring to FIG. 26, in this exemplary embodiment, the escape notch 214 (FIG. 26) has a length dimension “D1” which is substantially greater than (e.g., at least twice) its circumferential dimension “D2” The exemplary lure body 210 may further include an eye 216 at its front end 211 for receiving a free end of fishing line (not shown), and opposing outwardly flared wings 217, 218. The wings 217, 218 may help properly orient the fishing lure 200 as it is drawn through the water, and may also function as a weed guard.

The spring-biased hook assembly 220 is located substantially inside the firing chamber “C” of the body 210 in a loaded condition, as shown in FIGS. 23, 25 and 26, and is designed for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition into a released fish-catching condition, shown FIGS. 27 and 28. As best shown in FIG. 29, the exemplary hook assembly 220 comprises first and second metal hooks 221A, 221B integrally-formed together at its proximal end 222, and having respective oppositely directed bends 223A, 223B and points 224A, 224B at its flared distal end 225. Each metal hook 221A, 221B further comprises substantially straight shafts 226A, 226B formed with the proximal end 222, relatively long intermediate inwardly curved sections 227A, 227B, and relatively short outwardly curved sections 228A, 228B formed with respective bends 223A, 223B. In the exemplary embodiment, the straight shafts 226A, 226B are shorter than the inwardly curved sections 227A, 227B, and slightly longer than the outwardly curved sections 228A, 228B. The outwardly curved sections 228A, 228B are only slightly longer than the length D1 of the escape notch 214, and are less than one-half the length of the inwardly curved sections 227A, 227B. The distal end 225 of the hook assembly 220 is adapted for being pushed together against an inherent spring-biasing force of the hook assembly, such that the oppositely directed bends 223A, 223B and points 224A, 224B reside closer together when in the loaded condition and flare apart by operation of the spring-biasing force into the released fish-catching condition, as described further below. In the loaded condition, the outwardly curved sections 228A, 228B of hook assembly 220 reside directly adjacent the annular rear end 212 of the lure body 210, and frictionally engage the interior walls 213 of firing chamber “C”.

The pivoted actuation lever 230 has a proximal end 231 joined to the hollow body 210 (e.g., by living hinge or other means), and an opposite hook-engaging end 232 adapted for releasing the hook assembly 220 from the loaded condition. In the present embodiment, the hook-engaging end 232 of the actuation lever 230 may define a small hook opening 233 (or hole), best shown in FIG. 24, for slidably receiving one of the first and second metal hooks 221, 222. The hook-engaging end 232 cooperates with opposing spaced-apart intermediate shoulders 241, 242 forming a hook slot 244, shown in FIG. 24, to help guide and control rapid linear movement the hook assembly 220 when released rearwardly from the loaded condition into the fish-catching condition.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, when in the loaded condition, the inherent spring-biasing force of the hook assembly 220 is stored inside the firing chamber “C” of the lure body 210. Respective outwardly curved sections 228A, 228B of the metal hooks 221A, 221B adjacent the bends 223A, 223B frictionally engage the interior chamber walls 213 at the annular rim 215 of the lure body 210. When the actuation lever 230 is pivoted, the hook-engaging end 232 pushes the outwardly curved section 228A of hook assembly 220 into the escape notch 214 of the lure body 210, such that the spring-biasing force of the hook assembly 220 causes sudden rearward movement of the hook assembly outwardly from the firing chamber “C” as the metal hooks 221A, 221B flare apart into the released fish-catching condition. Retention pin 245 best shown in FIG. 25 stops rearward movement of the hook assembly, and holds the hook assembly 220 to the lure body 210 when released. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the hook assembly 220 in the fish-catching condition.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a view of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular function or step) is recited in the claims, a construction under §112, 6th paragraph is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 

I claim:
 1. An artificial fishing lure, comprising: a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends which define a longitudinal axis therebetween, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed through at least one of the walls of said hollow body at the rear end, and a longitudinal axis of the escape notch being laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the hollow body; a spring-biased hook assembly located substantially within said firing chamber of said body in a loaded condition and adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition, said hook assembly comprising first and second metal hooks attached together at a proximal end of said hook assembly, and having oppositely directed bends and points at a distal end of said hook assembly, the distal end of said hook assembly adapted for being pushed together against an inherent spring-biasing force of said hook assembly, such that the oppositely directed bends and points reside substantially together when in the loaded condition and flare apart by operation of the spring-biasing force into the released fish-catching condition; and a pivoted actuation lever having a proximal end joined to said hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for releasing said hook assembly from the loaded condition; such that: (i) in the loaded condition, the spring-biased hook assembly is stored inside the firing chamber of said body; and (ii) when said actuation lever is pivoted, said hook-engaging end engages and moves said hook assembly into the escape notch of said hollow body, whereby the spring-biasing force of said hook assembly causes the sudden rearward linear movement of said hook assembly, outwardly from the firing chamber and into the released fish-catching position.
 2. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein the firing chamber of said hollow body is substantially tubular.
 3. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said hollow body comprises opposing internal shoulders spaced apart from each other to form a guide slot therebetween within the firing chamber.
 4. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said hollow body comprises an eye at the front end for receiving a free end of fishing line.
 5. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said hollow body comprises opposing outwardly flared wings.
 6. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein the hook-engaging end of said actuation lever defines a hook opening for slidably receiving one of said first and second metal hooks therethrough, such that the hook-engaging end guides and controls movement of said hook assembly when released rearwardly into the fish-catching condition.
 7. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said actuation lever is substantially L-shaped.
 8. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein the rear end of said hollow body is substantially annular.
 9. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 8, wherein said escape notch is formed through an annular rim at the rear end of said hollow body.
 10. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 9, wherein said escape notch has a length dimension extending along a length of said body and a circumferential dimension along a circumference of the annular rim, the length dimension being greater than the circumferential dimension.
 11. An artificial fishing lure, comprising: a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends which define a longitudinal axis therebetween, walls defining a substantially tubular internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed through an annular rim at the rear end of said hollow body, and a longitudinal axis of the escape notch being laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the hollow body; a spring-biased hook assembly located substantially within said firing chamber of said body in a loaded condition and adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition, said hook assembly comprising first and second metal hooks attached together at a proximal end of said hook assembly, and having oppositely directed bends and points at a distal end of said hook assembly, the distal end of said hook assembly adapted for being pushed together against an inherent spring-biasing force of said hook assembly, such that the oppositely directed bends and points reside substantially together when in the loaded condition and flare apart by operation of the spring-biasing force into the released fish-catching condition; and a pivoted actuation lever having a proximal end joined to said hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for releasing said hook assembly from the loaded condition; such that: (i) in the loaded condition, the spring-biased hook assembly is stored inside the firing chamber of said body; and (ii) when said actuation lever is pivoted, said hook-engaging end engages and moves said hook assembly into the escape notch of said hollow body, whereby the spring-biasing force of said hook assembly causes the sudden rearward linear movement of said hook assembly outwardly from the firing chamber and into the released fish-catching condition.
 12. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein said hollow body comprises opposing internal shoulders spaced apart from each other to form a guide slot therebetween within the firing chamber.
 13. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein said hollow body comprises an eye at the front end for receiving a free end of fishing line.
 14. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein said hollow body comprises opposing outwardly flared wings.
 15. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein the hook-engaging end of said actuation lever defines a hook opening for slidably receiving one of said first and second metal hooks therethrough, such that the hook-engaging end guides and controls movement of said hook assembly when released rearwardly into the fish-catching condition.
 16. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein said actuation lever is substantially L-shaped.
 17. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein the rear end of said hollow body is substantially annular.
 18. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein said escape notch has a length dimension extending along a length of said body and a circumferential dimension along a circumference of the annular rim, the length dimension being greater than the circumferential dimension. 